I'm still trying to understand: what is the advantage of the composite A and B motors over Estes BP versions?

The Cs and Ds sound like they might be a little more interesting, but the As and Bs have me a little perplexed.

Agree with the A and B except for the B4-6. That engine is no longer produced by Estes.
I am really interested in that C8 (very similar to the old Estes C5) and that 13n-sec 18mm D12 that is very similar to the old Cox D8. Hopefully they will be priced around $4 each.
I would be really interested in the B if it was like the old B14.

They are FULL 2.5 N-s As and 5 N-s Bs at 5000-feet ASL elevation. Plus the A3-6 and B4-6 have delays that you can't get anywhere else. These performance attributes are desired by some people, particularly NAR and FAI competition fliers.

If all you want is to do some general flying, then I agree that there is no advantage.

I’d love to use that B4-6 in the center position in my B-cluster altitude model at NARAM but I doubt they will be NAR contest certified by then....not to mention the interesting problem of lighting that plus four other motors at the same time.

I hope to be pleasantly surprised. :D

In competition, their power level should be consistently higher. And the 6-second delay B should be useful to take advantage of that extra power.

Other than that, for the lay person, none at all.

In a retail store setting, the Quest motors may have a couple of advantages to attract the average customer.

The two-packs of Quest motors have a lower suggested price than the three-packs that Estes offers. Per motor, Estes will be cheaper, but some consumers will be looking for a lower price. And the Quest motors look different, perhaps cooler in the eyes of someone looking at them in a store.

Also, Quest is going to release some starter sets which include motors, something Estes hasn't done for a while.

At least in this area, there are two-packs of Estes 18mm motors in mass market stores which - at Fred Meyer - are the same prices as the SRP for the Quest motors. They are like the old Walmart three packs in that they have wadding included (unlike the hobby shop three packs which are also seen at Hobby Lobby or Fry's.)

There is an Astra III starter set on the Quest web site that should be available for pre-order on Friday per the flyer Gary was handing out.

If the consumers can get their hands on them they may prefer;

1) Black smoke

2) Easier ignition (assuming they ignite easier than Estes motors using the new "starters").

3) Pretty package and label.

Schools like bulk packs. There may be lots of sales, if Quest can get back their customers from many years ago. Or they can cultivate NEW customers at educator conferences (or the Rocket Fever event coming up in August - Hint Hint).

Gary posted the thrust curves, C11 and D15. Now those could be interesting
Mr. Bob